Placement of camera in door for face recognition-based security systems

Abstract

A security system including: a camera mounted to a door for capturing image data of an individual approaching the door; and a processor for further processing the image data. Preferably, the system includes: a database for storing the image data; and a recognition system for analyzing the stored image data. The stored image data in the database are preferably face images and the recognition system is preferably a face recognition system. The database can contain image data for each authorized individual of the structure where the recognition system compares images of the individual from the camera with the stored image data to determine if the individual is one of the authorized individuals. The system includes a sensor, operatively connected to the door knob of the door, for detecting the arrival of the individual approaching the door and signaling the camera to capture the image data of the individual upon operation of the door knob. The camera is preferably mounted above the door knob and directed upwards at an angle from the door to ensure a good face image of the individual. Also provided is a method for responding to an individual approaching the door of a structure. The method includes: providing a detector for detecting the individual interacting with the door; producing a signal in response to the individual interacting with the door; and triggering an event in response to the signal.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A security system comprising: 
 at least one camera mounted to a door of a structure for capturing image data of an individual approaching the door; and    processing means for further processing the image data.    
     
     
         2 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a database for storing the image data; and    a recognition system for analyzing the stored image data.    
     
     
         3 . The security system of  claim 2 , wherein the stored image data in the database are face images and the recognition system is a face recognition system.  
     
     
         4 . The security system of  claim 2 , wherein the database further contains image data for each authorized individual of the structure and the recognition system compares images of the individual from the at least one camera with the stored image data in the database and for determining if the individual is one of the authorized individuals.  
     
     
         5 . The security system of  claim 4 , wherein the processing means comprises an alarm system which transmits an alarm signal if the individual is determined not to be one of the authorized individuals.  
     
     
         6 . The security system of  claim 5 , wherein the alarm system transmits the alarm signal to a central monitoring site.  
     
     
         7 . The security system of  claim 6 , wherein the alarm system further transmits the image data to the central monitoring site.  
     
     
         8 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing means transmits the image data without further processing to a central monitoring site.  
     
     
         9 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a detection means for detecting the arrival of the individual approaching the door and signaling the at least one camera to capture the image data of the individual.  
     
     
         10 . The security system of  claim 9 , wherein the detection means comprises a sensor operatively connected to a door knob on the door, such that operation of the door knob signals the at least one camera to capture the image data of the individual.  
     
     
         11 . The security system of  claim 9 , wherein the detection means is a recognition system for detecting a change in the background near the door.  
     
     
         12 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera is mounted to the door in proximity to a door knob on the door.  
     
     
         13 . The security system of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one camera is mounted above the door knob and directed upwards at an angle from a surface of the door.  
     
     
         14 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera comprises a first and second camera, the first camera being mounted on a first side of the door in proximity to a door knob on the door, and the second camera being mounted on a second side in proximity to the door knob on the door.  
     
     
         15 . The security system of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second cameras are each mounted above the door knob and directed upwards at an angle from their respective side of the door.  
     
     
         16 . The security system of  claim 14 , further comprising a detection means for detecting the arrival of the individual approaching the door and signaling one of the first or second cameras to capture the image data of the individual approaching the door.  
     
     
         17 . The security system of  claim 16 , wherein the detection means comprises first and second sensors operatively connected to the door knob, such that operation of the door knob from the first side operates the first sensor to signal the first camera to capture the image data of the individual approaching from the first side and operation of the door knob from a second side operates the second sensor to signal the second camera to capture the image data of the individual approaching from the second side.  
     
     
         18 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera is battery operated and transmits the image data to the processing means through a wireless link.  
     
     
         19 . A method for responding to an individual approaching a door of a structure, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a means for detecting the individual interacting with the door;    producing a signal in response to the individual interacting with the door; and    triggering an event in response to the signal.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the event is an instruction to a camera to capture image data of the individual.  
     
     
         21 . A system for responding to an individual approaching a door of a structure, the system comprising: 
 means for detecting the individual interacting with the door;    means for producing a signal in response to the individual interacting with the door; and    means for triggering an event in response to the signal.    
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the means for detecting is a sensor operatively connected to the door knob of the door and the signal is produced upon the operation of the door knob.  
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a recognition system for detecting a change in the background near the door.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a camera, wherein the event is an instruction to the camera to capture image data of the individual.